Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance After Injury

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, England’s most dangerous, speedy and unpredictable footballer who can cut through defenses, suffered a knee ligament injury on Wednesday during a friendly against Ecuador in Miami, and may be out of the World Cup depending on the severity of the injury.

The Arsenal and England attacking midfielder suffered the knee injury during the second half of the 2-2 friendly against Ecuador when he got tangled with an opposition player. Oxlade-Chamberlain was substituted, and then limped off the pitch to receive medical attention inside the changing rooms at Sun Life Stadium.

In the post-match press conference, England manager Roy Hodgson began by addressing the injury to Oxlade-Chamberlain, and said that the England coaching staff will be waiting on the results of the scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. Hodgson admitted that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury bothers him.

“He is the one that bothers,” said Hodgson. “”His knee buckled under the challenge as the player turned into him. He’ll have a scan tomorrow, I’d imagine. When we’ve had the scan, we’ll know more. ”

For England’s chances to do well at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a lot of pressure is on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shoulders as he was one of the few bright sparks in England’s draw against Ecuador on Wednesday afternoon.

Oxlade-Chamberlain recently returned from injury after suffering an injury on the opening day of the 2013/14 Premier League season for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

About The Author

Publisher of World Soccer Talk, Christopher Harris founded the site in 2005. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Guardian and several other publications. Plus he has made appearances on NPR, BBC World, CBC, BBC Five Live, talkSPORT and beIN SPORT.
Harris, who was born and raised in Wales, has lived in Florida since 1984, and supported Swansea City since 1979. Last but not least, he got engaged during half-time of a MLS game.